Page 4, Thursday, July 17, 2003 News for Southern Colorado County, Texas — The Eagle Lake Headlight

'Blast from the Past' pays tribute to 50s, 60s music

Jo Brown Reilly On March 3, 2003, Mrs. Jo Brown

Reilly passed away at her home in Alamo, Texas, from complications caused by pneumonia.

Mrs. Reilly was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Riley and Agnes Brown.

She graduated high school in Fairfield, Iowa.

Mrs. Reilly and her husband, Bill, worked as Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors in Bastrop, Colorado, Fayette and Travis Counties for a num- ber of years.

Mrs. Reilly was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Richard and Riley Brown; and two grandchildren, Renee Balas Bullard and Brian Balas.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; sons, Steve Balas and wife, Linda, of Eagle Lake and Tony Balas of Co- lumbus; a daughter, Julie Lobpries and husband, Howard, of Angleton; two grandchildren, Clint and Courtney Lobpries of Angleton; one great-grand- son, Trevor Bullard of Houston; three sisters, Betty Ketner of Olathe, Kan- sas, Marge Wiese of Eagle Lake and Jean Kirby of Denver, Colorado; and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Reilly was laid to rest in San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Sympathy is extended to the fam- ily in their loss.

It's not too late to purchase tickets for Blast from the Past. A fund drive event sponsored by the Wharton County Junior College Foundation benefiting student scholarships, aca- demic programs and faculty develop- ment. The event will be held Tuesday, July 29, at the Horton Foote Theatre in the Duson-Hansen Fine Arts Building on the Wharton campus.

Blast from The Past begins at 6:30 p.m. with an elegant reception featur- ing gourmet appetizers followed by a musical of 50s and 60s hits performed by First Praise of Houston. Tickets are $50 each with corporate sponsorships available for $250, $500 and $1000.

Blast from the Past offers our sup- porters a way to attend a first-class musical performance in their commu- nity," said Zina Carter, WCJC Direc- tor of Marketing and Communications. "There's no long commute to Houston or a parking fee to attend our event, plus our guests receive an extra bonus

A.J. 'Lefty'Vasina A.J. "Lefty" Vasina, 84, of Lissie,

passed away Friday, July 11, 2003 at his residence following a brief illness.

A native of Plum, Fayette County, Texas, he was born February 11, 1919 to Joseph and Ludmilla Holik Vasina.

Lefty married Gladiola Hartman at Holy Cross Catholic Church in East Bernard on March 4, 1946.

A member of the Lissie United Methodist Church, he had been resi- dent of Lissie for the past 57 years, re- tiring from Tennessee Gas Pipeline, a division of Tenneco, in East Bernard on July 1, 1982 after 32 years of dis- tinguished service.

Preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Vlasta Elolf and Mary Cerven- ka; brothers, Joe and Jerry Vasina; and daughter-in-law, Delores Schmidt Vasina; survivors include his devoted wife of 57 years, Gladiola Hartman Va- sina of Lissie; a daughter, Marilyn Frank and husband, Paul, of Alpharetta, Georgia; sons, Kenneth and Terry Vasi- na, both of Houston; sister, Lydia Me- chura of Rogers, Arkansas; grandsons, Ryan and Stephen Frank, both of Geor- gia; nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 14, from the Chapel of

February 11,1919 - July 11,2003

rial contributions, the family requests they be directed to Lissie United Meth- odist Church, PO Box 668, Lissie, TX 77454.

Friends and family are encouraged to send tributes to www.mem.com.

Sympathy is extended to the fam- ily in their loss.

Dulany Funeral Home in Eagle Lake with Rev. Bill Ramsey, Pastor of Lissie United Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment followed in Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake.

Dulany Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Kenneth and Terry Vasina; Paul, Ryan and Stephen Frank; and Jared Schmidt.

Honorary pallbearers were employ- ees of Tennessee Gas Pipeline.

For those wishing to make memo-

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by being able to socialize with their friends and enjoy a wonderful recep- tion prior to the performance."

"Our Event Chair Jeanene Dittman Merka has done a wonderful job of organizing Blast from the Past and get- ting the Foundation directors enthused about raising funds to support the col- lege," continued Carter. "Ms. Merka is a long-time friend of the college who has always given a 100% effort to any cause she has taken under her wing. We treasure her commitment to the college."

First Praise of Houston is the fea- tured performer for the event. The 12- member group of singers from the First Methodist Church of Houston has per- formed in Cleveland, Cold Springs and the Woodlands, among other churches in the Houston area, and for district and conference events of the United Meth- odist Church. The group recently re- turned from a tour in Huntsville, Ala- bama. Their sound is a unique blend of contemporary Christian music, Gaither gospel, and old-fashioned spirituals. Occasionally, the group ven- tures outside of its gospel performance roots to perform secular music, as in the case of Blast form the Past, a col- lection of 50s and 60s music.

"We can not thank the members of First Praise enough for their generos- ity in donating their time and talents by performing at no charge for this event," said Carter. "Their dedication in helping to make Blast from the Past a success is very much appreciated."

Individual tickets for $50 may be reserved and held at the door. Corpo-

rate sponsors receive designated seat- ing, publicity in the event program and two, four, or six tickets based on their sponsored donation of $250, $500 or $ 1000. Ticket purchases are tax deduct- ible.

The Foundation encourages sup- porters to purchase tickets as soon as possible due to limited seating. Tick- ets may be purchased by contacting the WCJC Marketing and Communica- tions Office, 979-532-6322, or through any of the following directors of the Foundation Board:

Wharton area: R.D. Moses, Wayne Waters, Jeanene Dittman Merka, Jeffery Blair, John Roades, Larry Wadler, Clinton White, and Joel Will- iams

El Campo area: Jimmie Leslie, Gordon Sorrel, Guy Stovall, III, Linda Stovall, and Johnnie Svatek

Bay City area: Bill Bell and Rick Higgins

Eagle Lake area: Donald Bendy East Bernard area: Clem Boettcher Houston area: Janette McDonald Thompsons area: Dean Leaman

Special Event Chair Jeanene Dittman Merka explains details of Blast From the Past to members of the Wharton County Junior College Foundation at a recent meeting. The Foundation will play host to the event July 29th at 6:30 p.m. at the Horton Foote Theatre on the Wharton campus. Tickets are $50 each with corporate sponsorships available. Proceeds benefit stu- dent scholarships, academic programs, and faculty development.

Photo by John Dettling Jr.

Texas to receive $138 million in funding The U.S. Department of Housing

and Urban Development (HUD) will provide $138,761,417 for community development and housing needs in Tex- as, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced recently.

HUD recently approved the 2003 Consolidated Action Plan, allowing for funding of projects across the state.

"The funds will help develop areas of the state that need it most," Cornyn said. "It's encouraging to see that HUD recognizes the potential for growth and revitalization and helps fund its devel- opment."

The funds are allocated as follows: $85,267,000 in Community Devel-

opment Block Grants (CDBG); $45,520,000 from the HOME In-

vestment Partnership Program; $4,703,000 from the Emergency

Shelter Grant Program; and $2,927,000 for the Housing Oppor-

tunities for Person with Aids (HOP WA) program.

"From infrastructure improvements to emergency shelters and home own- ership assistance, these funds will meet critical needs in our state," Cornyn, a member of the Senate Budget Commit- tee said.

"With effective oversight, and a competitive process, the grants will go to deserving projects without much of the fraud, waste and abuse that have been a problem in the past."

HUD's HOME program is the larg- est block grant to state and local gov- ernments from the federal government, and was created to help provide afford- able housing for low-income house- holds. The program provides more than $ 1 billion annually.

Funds for the Emergency Shelter Grant Program provide for emergency

homeless shelters and to help improve the quality of existing emergency shel- ters.

The program also helps meet the operating costs of shelters, and pro- vides certain essential services.

CDBG provides annual grants for

local governments for activities that best serve their own particular devel- opment priorities.

Projects funded by CDBG benefit low-and moderate-income persons, prevent or eliminate slums, or meet

other urgent community development needs.

Funds are provided to most of the larges localities in the country.

The HOPWA program includes emergency assistance programs and tenant-based rental assistance.

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"SAWySeNiOR" you ask the SeNior questioN ~ We FiNd the SAWy ANsWer

Funeral Shock

^

JJ Dear Savvy Senior

Last March I had to make funeral arrangements for my uncle who died after a long illness. Like many people, I had never made funeral arrange- ments before and was very surprised and overwhelmed by the funeral direc- tor and all the cost. I think it would be very useful information for readers to know what to expect when making fu- neral arrangements and what the av- erage cost is. This is one of those things that most people will have to deal with at some point or another.

Thank you, Funeral Shock

Dear Funeral Shock, You are absolutely right! At some

time in our lives, most of us will have to make, or assist in making, funeral arrangements. To help ease the shock, here are some things to know, and costs to consider.

Selecting A Funeral Home: This is the most important decision and should be made very carefully. Choose

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a funeral home that, has a good and honest reputation in the community. If you are not familiar with the funeral homes in your area, ask a relative, friend, hospice, clergy person or doc- tor for a recommendation.

Also consider meeting with a few different funeral directors in advance to determine with whom you are com- fortable and the range of services of- fered at a cost that meets your needs. The funeral director can help a family create a ceremony that celebrates a life lived, which can be an important part of the healing process. They will also be able to coordinate the services of various community resources who may also provide additional support.

Savvy Tips: Many communities have "memorial societies" that provide great consumer assistance with funeral shopping and planning. Call 1-800- 765-0107 to locate one in your area. Another great resource is the national Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) at 800-458-5563.

What Kind of Funeral: Every family is different, and not everyone wants the same type of funeral. Funeral practices are influenced by religious and cultural traditions, as well as costs and personal preferences. These fac- tors help determine whether the funeral will be elaborate or simple, public or private, religious or secular, and where it will be held. They also influence whether the body will be present at the funeral, if there will be a viewing or visitation, and if so, whether the cas- ket will be open or closed, and whether the remains will be buried or cremated.

Funeral Cost: Funeral costs will vary depending on the services and merchandise selections made. Under the Federal Trade Commission regu- lation, funeral directors are required to provide a general price list of itemized costs of all options offered by their fu- neral home at the time arrangements are first discussed, or over the tele- phone if a consumer inquires about the costs. Be sure to ask for this "funeral rule" price list and resist pressure to buy any services you don't want. Ac- cording to the National Funeral Direc- tors Association here is the national average cost list of commonly selected (funeral only) services based on their 2001 survey.

•Professional service charges $1,213

•Embalming and cosmetology $570 •Visitation/viewing $275 •Funeral at funeral home $350 •Transfer of remains to funeral

home $154 •Hearse (local) and service car/van

$270 (See Savvy, Page 6)

Youth

Attend the Church of Your Choice... EQUIPPERS OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL: 200 N. College,

Weimar, Texas 78962; 979-725-8233; Pastor Jerry Adkins. GREATER RISING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH: 580 Old Altair Road, Eagle Lake;

Rev. Truman Scott Sr„ Pastor; 234-2423 or 758-3745. GREATER UNION BAPTIST CHURCH: Matthews Community; Co. Rd. 141; Rev.

Lawrence C. Robertson, Pastor; 234-2581. MT. CARMEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH: Hwy. 90-A (Pecan Valley),

Eagle Lake; Rev. Paul Barrow Sr., Pastor; 234-5813. LIVING HOPE CHURCH: Eagle Lake; Revs. Joe and Mercy Ring; 234-5536. BEREA CLADIC: 623 Maple Avenue, Eagle Lake; 234-2130. ROCK ISLAND FULL GOSPEL: P.O. Box 232, Rock Island; 234-5840. LATIN-AMERICAN ASSEMBLY OF GOD (Bethlehem of Judea Church): 1000

East E, Eagle Lake; Ruth Olvera, Pastor. SEALY ASSEMBLY OF GOD: 1140 Meyer, Sealy; Warren Richardson, Pastor. THE DAY OF PENTECOST AP0ST0LISTIC REVIVAL RISING STAR: FM

102 South, Matthews; 4 p.m. (at Mt. Zion), Rev. R.L. Carter Sr. GREATER NEW FAITH CHURCH: 6406 Guyler, Wallis; Rev. Clay Spears, Pas-

tor; 979478-2169. EAST BERNARD FIRST BAPTIST FIRST BAPTIST: 527 N. Lake, Eagle Lake; Rev. Brent Beasley, Pastor; 234-2571. FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST: 405 S. Lake, Eagle Lake; Rev. H.0. Williams, Pastor, 234-

5795. IGLESIA BAUTISTIA GETSEMANI: 901 B Street, Eagle Lake; Rev. Mario

Vasquez. GREATER MT. OLIVE BAPTIST: Rev. Thomas Kuykendall; 705 Lake, Eagle Lake;

234-3545. PROVIDENCE BAPTIST: 1207 Seaholm, Eagle Lake; Rev. Coby Shorter Jr., 234-3735. CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 306 E. Stockbridge, Eagle Lake, 234-3437. ROCK ISLAND BAPTIST: Bob Allison, Pastor.

SHERIDAN FIRST BAPTIST: FM 2437; Rev. Mack Helms, Pastor; 234-3136. WHITE CLOUD BAPTIST CHURCH: 202 Old Altair Road, Eagle Lake; Rev. Obie

Rhodes, Pastor; 234-3800. CHURCH OF CHRIST: Sheridan. NEW LIFE FELLOWSHIP: Hwy. 90A, Sheridan; Del Sanford, Pastor; 234-3276. CHRIST OUR REDEEMER-Charismatic: Jerry C. McKinney, Pastor; 979-478-7534

or 478-6512. HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH: East Bernard. CATHOLIC PARISH OF THE NATIVITY: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Sanctuary:

308 N. Stevenson, Eagle Lake; 8 a.m. (Espanol); 10 a.m. (English); Rev. Eddie Winkler; P.O. Box 307; 234-2842.

ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH: Box 97, Nada; Rev. Joseph Koebel, Pastor; 758- 3218.

GRACE LUTHERAN: 408 N. Stevenson, Eagle Lake; Services begin at 10 a.m.; Rev. Clements Richard, Pastor; 234-3381.

LEHRER MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST: Garwood; 9 a.m. worship. LISSIE UNITED METHODIST: Bill Ramsey, Pastor; 234-2112, Lissie. ROCK ISLAND METHODIST: Ken Seller Jr. Lay-Pastor. UNITED METHODIST: 200 W. Prairie; Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Worship, 10:45

a.m. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN: 106 E. State Street, Eagle Lake; 234-3368. VINE OF THE LORD: 1300 E. State Street, Eagle Lake; Rev. Paul Aguilar, Pastor;

234-7543.. FRIENDSHIP A:G: 501 Wallace, East Bernard; Fred Chambers, Pastor. THE CHURCH OF CHRBT OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS: 600 W.St., Sealy; Marshall

Crosby, Branch Pres. CHURCH OF CHRIST: 815 Milam, Columbus; Lynn Wilson, Minister. THE SHEPHERD'S WAY: Interdenomination Christian Fellowship; 1225 Eagle Lake

Road, Sealy, Frank Lucas, Pastor; 979-885-1225.

Continued from Page 1 techs, volunteers, line staff and super- visors.

The Program Director from each program views all nominations (includ- ing those for Most Improved Resident and Top Resident) and determines which dorm demonstrated excellence in each area that week.

The program directors, along with staff and guests, return to the elected dorms to present a banner represent- ing its area of excellence.

The dorm which is awarded the most banners each week participates in a pizza party the following weekend. They also receive extra movie privi- leges with popcorn and soda.

The introduction and maintenance of these ceremonies has proved to be beneficial to both the staff and residents of the Colorado County Juvenile Fa- cility. There has been a decrease in in- cidents and an increase in positive pride and motivation from the staff and the residents.

ALL AROUND COWBOY CHURCH 2551 Hwy. 36 North • Sealy

Everyone is WELCOME A come as you are Church. Sunday 10 a.m.; Bible Study,

6 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. Pastor: Sonny Rice 979-885-2799